New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-03-10
MR.. BEECHER AS FRIEND AND PASTOR.

HIS MANY GOOD QUALITIES EULOGHED-HIS FOND
NESS FOR PRECIOUS STONES.
The Rev Dr. Charles H. Hall. rector OF the Holy Trinity
Church. Brooklyn, one OF Mr.. Beecher's most in
innate friends In 1889 when Mr.. Bcecher was antir-
patng apparently the fatal stroke OF apopexy he wrote
the rector a letter in which he said:
wish now mention what have already told ny friends
sha ye efsr of py anrral II GO before YOU That You
shall be present is my hope and desire.
Dr. Hall said yesterday that he had talked over the
matter since with Mr. Bceoher and they had 20 the
conclusion that Mr.. Beecher should perform the last
offices for Dr. Hall IL he should die FIRST and contrarwse
do not think" DR. Hall continued "thnt Mr. Beechcr
had any fear OF disease Of death lie trusted for the
best always can scarcely express my love and admit
ration for him. or my unbounded faith in him. Wo were
thrown together first when was in Washington in the
Church OF the Epiphany during the our friendship
has strengthened here and feel now though really
had been brothers OF his and sweetness OF char
acer his spirit aud mental power can never say too
much"
Mr. Beecher made his will several years ago 1t is
The value OF his property variouy estimated nj from
$1,000 o to 100000. In addition TO his Peckskll farm
the market value OF this latter property
is not known by his f1onds Beside. this he has large
library and valuable collection OF gems. d" doubt
said one his most intimate friends last evening" II
there finer collection OF precious stones In the pos
session Of any private individual than his The cocc
ton OF them craze with him at one time. Just as
books and humming birds were ,,,,., at r., an
gem. with quite history All me precious stones men
toned In Revelations as par o, 'hs was OF
had lot OF them III his pockets dont KNOW ABOUT MS
library now. hut at one time ne had over loyo 'o'io
The sixty cummings that BIO once had arc also
T6omas G. shearman ono Of Mr. Beccher's closest
friends his confde legal adviser In tho Beeehcr
Tlion suit, said yesterday The first thing that struck
mo about Mr. Beecher when met him thirty four years
ago for the fret time his wonderful simplicity. his
tire absence Of selnshnes was then poor boy and was
himself but whose ACQUAINTANCE with Mr. Beechor
very limited Yet no received me In the same manner
and with much cordially as II The Introduction had
come from one OF his closest frend. 10
chstted pleasantly with me and when DO dis,
people crowding about anxious to get word with
HIM he DID not cut s short s sna e
TO 10 terminate the interview All that have seen
vi s'R the Ro:, 1p and Ende. u ~
"One OF his chiei charactenstcs was ms
litter ns r Gsiesa and '0 poor r were alike to hun
and may mention instance Of this which under
my own observation At our Friday night meetings
there who spoke almost every time. ucnty
and intelgeny and with great feryor He was stan,
Yet Mr.. Beecher seemed TO pay special attention
10 him and asked him speak oitoncr than any other
often argued With Mr Beochor and yet he never
took offence Thoroughly of hand frank and open. lie
hurt the feelings OF others This consideration for others
in fact something remarkable Iio was never
somehow escaped wounding any seriously III, keen
Of % Of s sans IN | u S
This. ho@ever. was never perceptibls except
twitclIing OF the lips unless the congregation
thoroughly caught the point and then he would give
way 10 the general feeling and make some sly good
natured comment.
Many people msjudge him because he never visited
the sick and dying. lie never az least as far know.
undertook any OF the technical pastoral work. His
reasons not doing II not generally Understood
He was easily affected by sorrow sickness death and
a performance OF the technical duties OF tho
church would account Of his sympathetic nature,
have certainly helmed him and consumed his vital
energies Those who knew him best thoroughly
OF this and although have had several deaths in
my family l asked him 20 attend funerals
Ills nature sensitive ono and 10 n
certain extent he was obliged 10 harden
himself outsider he would never have been equal
TO his great work
''As preacher he was like air plant. His inspIra-
ton drawn, not from books study, but from an
actual observance OF and contact with men. The ideas
he gathered thus he reproduced In dazzling forms.
He judged that his mission aud duty "a a
preacher were TO accomplish the best pulpit
work possible aud he bent everything 10
this great hoad and great heart, tender synpa-
thetic nature quick perception and lonent Judgment
all these enabled him 10 gold In mankind where
others could discover nothing but dross Ii, very
presence always struck me as that OF lion with big
heart-hayng power TO smite TO the EARTH but disian-
ing TO harm the weakest"